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February 17, 2011

GOOSEBERRY PICKLE/ NELLIKAI OORGAI

Though i have posted some pickles from my MIL’s hand , I feel this post is somewhat special as i made it on my own using less oil for first time.The result was completely satisfactory.Click here to see another healthy , quick side dish for rice using gooseberry if u r interested..

INGREDIENTS

Big gooseberry - 12 nos

Red chillies – 8 –10 nos (Long variety , adjust )

Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Asafetida / hing – 1/4 tsp

To dry roast

Methi seeds – 1 tsp

To temper

Cooking oil – 1.5 tbsp

Mustard seeds –1 tsp

Urad dal – 1/2 tsp

Sesame oil – 1 tbsp

METHOD

Dry roast methi seeds in a kadai till it turns brown with a nice aroma.Powder it along with asafetida and turmeric powder.Set aside.

Grind the red chillies to a coarse powder. Keep aside.

In a pressure cooker or in an idly pot ,steam cook the whole big gooseberries without adding water.After it cools down ,cut the gooseberry into bite sized pieces .( It will come off easily when u press it with ur fingers.)

Then in a wide mouthed kadai add a tbsp of oil and temper the items given above.Add the gooseberry pieces and the coarse red chilly powder.

Mix well for few minutes till raw smell disappears.Add the salt and toss well.

Indian gooseberry, due to its high vitamin C content, is effective in controlling diabetes. It will also prevent eye complications in diabetics.

It is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It is especially effective in tuberculosis of the lungs, asthma and bronchitis.

As an extremely rich source of vitamin C, it is a very effective remedy for scurvy.

The juice of Indian gooseberry with honey is beneficial in presenting eye sight.

It is a valuable remedy for enriching hair growth and pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, is dried, preferably in the shade. These pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes charred. This darkish oil is excellent in preventing graying. The water in which dried amla pieces are soaked overnight is also nourishing to hair and can be used for the last rinse while washing the hair.

The dried fruit of Indian gooseberry is useful in diarrhoea and dysentery.

Most important is it has revitalizing effects, as it contains an element which is very effective in preventing ageing and in maintaining strength in old age. It improves body resistance and protects the body against infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and different glands in the body.